PI

Have you voted yet? With the abominable snow storm dominating everyone’s thoughts, don’t forget to turn in your ballots! This election is an easy but important one, there are only two questions on the ballot, and they both relate to school funding. My children and I think you should vote “yes” on both levies to help fund the schools. Seattle schools have been chronically underfunded for years, and with our explosive population growth, the schools are virtually bursting at the seams.…

When I was growing up in the Great White Northeast of New England, we looked forward to snow storms, and not just for the obvious reasons (sledding, snow forts, snow balls, and cancelled classes). A good snow storm meant cold cash. The kids in our neighborhood would fan out the moment the last flake fell (and often before), ringing bells and offering to shovel sidewalks for money. It occurs to me that in this neighborhood, where the average house doesn't even…

"Rrrrrr...click-click-click. RRRRR...click-click-click." I know that sound. I was all packed up for an overnight camper van trip to Snoqualmie Pass this past Friday, 10 year-old son strapped into his car seat, last glimmer of sunlight fading fast, but when I turned the ignition, "rrrr...click-click-click." OK, no problem, jumper cables out of the back, Honda Fit pulled up alongside, hood popped, but it's dark, so I flick my iPhone into flashlight mode and prop it on the engine block while I connect…

Well done, Wallingford! There were bikes crunching their way down the Burke Gilman trail this morning, I didn't personally witness any car shenanigans and Kite Hill was duly transformed into Sledding Hill. (It was, in my opinion, the finest sledding snow we've had in a long-time, perfectly timed for morning runs, light and fluffy, and thick enough to accommodate hours or child(ish) playtime.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5zqgKQly_g

The Nisqually Quake shook Seattle in 2001 cracking the Aurora viaduct. Eighteen years later we have a tunnel. It has been a wild ride over those years with many different visions of Seattle coming and going. This morning the tunnel opens for traffic. For the first few months there is no tolling. Tolling is expected to begin in summer 2019. The tunnel is several miles south of the neighborhood, but not far enough south to insulate us from its impact. Aurora…

The days are numbered for evening meals at the Blue Star Cafe & Pub (4512 Stone Way N). As of this writing, the number is two. That's right, your last chance to enjoy a Hot Blue Burger (or Green Lake Salad or Classic Reuben or Chicken Soft Tacos) at night will be this Saturday, February 2. As of Sunday, the Blue Star will shift to breakfast and lunch only, closing at 3 pm. This came as a bit of surprise to…

As the cold gray winter days continue, I have added a little “sunshine” to my life by starting some seeds!  While it is much too early to get plants started in the garden it is not too early to try sprouting some seeds indoors. Those little green sprouts provide a reminder that Spring will be here soon.   Starting seeds indoors does require a little effort and attention, but does not have to be expensive.  There are many items that can…